CSI Shabbat Morning Services - What to Expect at This Phase

As the congregation is increasingly vaccinated, the relative safety of gathering together in person is increasing as well. It will take some time until we are all able to access the vaccine, and there will always be some risk in gathering together in person. We encourage everyone to schedule a vaccine appointment as soon as you are able. We are not checking on your vaccine status in order to attend our prayer services. Our safety protocols assume the possibility that somebody is an asymptomatic carrier of Covid-19. For many, this will fall within their current risk tolerance.

For the latest, detailed update on Shearith Israel's Covid-19 protocols, click the button below. The following policies are effective as of Thursday, May 27, 2021:

• Masks and social distancing are optional for fully vaccinated members and guests
• Masks are required for unvaccinated members and guests, including children not yet eligible for vaccination
• Services will continue to be on Zoom until August 7th and then live-streamed for Shabbat and Holidays
• The sanctuary will be used at full capacity, so registration is no longer required to attend services
• There will be a designated area of the congregation that will be reserved for social distancing. In this section, masking will be required for everyone. 
• As with all COVID-related policies, we will continue to monitor public health direction and make decisions with the support of our medical committee as needed

What to Expect at this stage:

Before you arrive Shabbat morning

• If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, or if you have an increased risk of being an asymptomatic carrier because of a known or possible exposure, please do not come in person.

Upon arrival to Shearith Israel

• Hand sanitizer is provided for your convenience at the two entrances - Courtyard and Parking Lot Doors. 
• Face coverings are required for all attendees who are not fully vaccinated at this phase at all times in the building. Please arrive wearing appropriate face coverings that cover both the nose and mouth, with no exhalation vents. If you come without a face covering, a surgical style mask will be provided for you on arrival.
• If you are fully vaccinated, masks and social distancing are optional.
• There will be a designated section in the Sanctuary (the far side) allocated for those who prefer to continue social distancing. Masks are required in this section.

During the service 

• If you have an honor, such as an aliyah or ark opening, Rabbi Kaiman or the service leader will direct you where to stand and participate. We do our best to pre-assign all honors to maintain the flow of the service.
• During this phase, we continue to treat the virtual space as if it were in-person. A large screen television is connected to a computer and camera at the lower bima. Virtual participants from time to time will be called to Aliyot, read from the Torah, and participate as if they were in-person. 
• Please be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with physical touching, handshaking or hugging at this stage.  

After the service

• At this time there will not be a Kiddush lunch served. We look forward to the return of Kiddush in August.